EP2244007B1 - Optical device for an automobile - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates in particular to an optical device for a motor vehicle.

It is known from the patent application US 2007/0217194 a device comprising a rotary cover assembly operable by a cam link.

We know by the request of EP Patent 2,006,605 an elliptical-type optical module comprising a light source associated with a reflector and closed by a dioptric element of the convergent lens type, for example a plano-convex lens, Fresnel lens. This module can be equipped with a fixed or movable cover capable of intercepting at least partially, depending on its position, the light beam emitted by the light source / reflector assembly. The shape of the upper edge of the cache makes it possible to define the desired cut in the beam by imaging with the convergent lens.

For more details on mobile cache modules, please refer to EP1197387 , EP1422471 or EP1442472 . The mobile cover, on command and thanks to the presence of a motor, can take different positions with respect to the light source, including at least one position called "active" optically, that is to say a position where it obscures actually a part of the light beam, in particular for the module to emit a cut-off beam, such as a cross beam (oblique cut) or anti-fog (horizontal cut). The cache may thus have one or more "active" positions, for example two, one for the traffic crossing function on the right and one for the traffic function on the left, and also a so-called "passive" function where it does not block the beam. light, thus allowing the module to emit light beams without cutoff of the road beam type. For examples of fixed cache modules, it is possible to refer in particular to FR2754039 , which describes modules able to emit crossover or fog beams for example.

Also known by the US Patent 7,201,505 a projector to produce different lighting.

The invention aims in particular to provide a new optical device using cuts, like what is described above.

The invention thus relates to an optical device, in particular for lighting and / or signaling for a motor vehicle, according to claim 1.

The present invention makes it possible in particular to have a progressivity in the change of the type of lighting while having, from a mechanical point of view of the device, a discontinuity, namely the edges of the covers to produce the cuts are distinct and remote. one of the other.

The invention makes it possible to have an optical continuity between the beams of the first and second lighting positions.

In other words, the caches have a mechanical discontinuity, namely these caches are in particular separated from one another by a recessed area, while allowing to generate, during the transition, a continuous and progressive beam, at a time intensity, range and / or vertical displacement of the cut.

The rotary assembly according to the invention is in particular different from a drum without significant asperities.

For example, by rotating the first mask, corresponding for example to a code beam, the cut-off perceived in the beam progressively rises to the second lighting position, corresponding for example to a beam of increased range such that a motorway beam, allowing for a gradual increase in the illumination of the ground and the range.

Due to the optical continuity between the beams of the first and second lighting positions, the transition between the two beams according to the invention can be done more slowly, which improves the comfort of the driver.

By comparison, devices have been developed with only two lighting positions, namely the code and the road, on which the transition between the code and the road is fast.

For example, a slow transition is understood to mean a transition between the code and the road that takes place between 0.8 seconds and 3 seconds, whereas a fast transition between the code and the route takes place between 50 milliseconds and 300 milliseconds, for example.

The time factor between a slow transition and a fast transition can thus for example be 2 or 3 or 10 or more.

The need for a rapid transition was dictated by two constraints.

The first constraint is related to the lighthouse call function to quickly communicate with another user.

The second constraint is cost-related, since a simple way to activate a cache is to use an electromagnet or a DC motor.

According to the present invention, on the contrary, the set of caches can fulfill several functions, for example three to four functions or more, and it is advantage of using a stepper motor to finely position each cut.

This type of engine also has the advantage of having an adaptable piloting speed, which allows switching from one lighting position to another at different speeds, and thus position a cutoff quickly or more slowly as needed.

By moving from one position to another gradually, at a lower engine speed, the transition is smooth, without disturbing the driver, and comfort is improved.

In addition, it should be noted that, with a fast transition speed, optical defects are rarely visible, whereas by using a slow transition, 'uppering' and 'lowering' phenomena are likely to appear more easily .

If desired, between the code beam and the motorway beam, the rotary set of covers may stop on at least one, preferably three, intermediate positions between the code beam and the motorway beam.

Where appropriate, between the motorway beam and the road beam, the rotary set of covers can stop on at least one, preferably two, intermediate positions between the motorway beam and the road beam.

According to the invention, the angular difference between the two consecutive covers is chosen so as to substantially avoid uppering and lowering phenomena.

A 'uppering' phenomenon can occur when one of the caches goes too low in relation to the optical axis during the transition.

A phenomenon of 'lowering' can appear when mechanically one of the covers cuts too much the optical axis during the transition.

The invention makes it possible for example to avoid a jump in the illumination of the beam when passing from the first lighting position to the second.

Advantageously, the luminous intensity of the beam, measured at a point on the optical axis, varies monotonically, namely increasing decreasing, between the first and second outstanding lighting positions.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device comprises a lens disposed in the path of the light beam that has been intercepted by the rotating assembly.

The axis of rotation of the rotating assembly may, if appropriate, be on the focal plane of the lens.

The first remarkable lighting position can generate a code beam.

If desired, the second position of remarkable lighting can generate a beam with increased range, for example a motorway beam.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the rotary assembly is arranged to take only two remarkable lighting positions.

Alternatively, the rotary assembly is arranged to be able to take at least three outstanding lighting positions selected for example from: a coded beam, a beam with increased range, a road beam, a selective beam, a flat cut beam.

These lighting positions can, if desired, be adapted, from a regulatory point of view, for traffic on the right or left in Europe, or for traffic in the United States.

The invention may allow a switch to increased range beam mode without activating a correction actuator (English leveler ). The variation of the position of the cut can be done only with the optical cache.

If necessary, the rotating assembly is arranged to be able to take exactly three, four or five outstanding lighting positions.

The angular difference between the first and second covers is for example between 10 ° and 60 °, in particular between 20 ° and 50 °, being for example close to 20 ° or 30 °.

The first and second caches may each have one or more edges. For example, these caches may each have two edges. In Alternatively, one of the caches has a single edge and the other cache has two edges. These edges serve to form a cut in the beam.

When the cover has two edges, at least one of these edges is preferably optically active during the progressive transition.

These ridges may be each formed on a rib of the rotating assembly, in particular on a vertex of this rib.

At least one of the edges of the caches may for example be formed as an edge of a dihedron.

The edge may be a sharp line or be formed by a substantially rounded edge.

Optionally both caches may have a common edge.

For example, the rotary assembly is arranged so that, during the rotation of the first lighting position towards the second, first the first cache is optically active, then the second cache, so as to ensure the gradual transition of lighting.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the first cover has two ridges and the second cover also has two edges and, when the first lighting position is rotated towards the second, first (first position). remarkable lighting) the two edges of the first cache are optically active, then (progressive transition) the second edge of the first cache and the first edge of the second cache, these edges being adjacent, and finally (second position of remarkable lighting) both edges of the second cover and if necessary the folder are optically active.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the rotating assembly comprises at least one folder arranged to enhance the light intensity of a beam in at least one of the outstanding lighting positions, in particular to produce a beam with increased range.

The second cache may comprise the folder and at least one edge formed for example by an edge of this folder.

Preferably the folder comprises a reflective surface, this surface being in particular substantially planar or, alternatively, having a shape making it possible to obtain a substantially oblique cutoff.

The folder may be arranged to participate in the formation of a beam with increased range, this increased range being in particular greater than the range of a beam code.

Preferably the folder is arranged to be optically active, at least momentarily, during the progressive transition to maintain or increase the light intensity of the beam in the optical axis during this gradual transition.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the rotary assembly is arranged to avoid a lowering phenomenon mentioned above, during the gradual transition.

The second cache, corresponding for example to a beam of increased range, has a maximum height, measured from the axis of rotation, less than the maximum height of the first cache.

In this case, the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly can be on a focal plane of the device.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation is shifted by a non-zero distance (for example from 1 mm to a few mm) relative to the focal plane.

In this case, the vertices of the first and second caches possibly remain substantially under the optical axis or are substantially tangent to this axis, during the progressive transition.

The rotating assembly may, if desired, have three covers, including for example one to make a selective beam.

The device according to the invention may, if desired, be arranged to allow a gradual transition between the flat-cut beam and the selective L-beam.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term " progressive transition " is intended to mean in particular a transition between two remarkable beams which is accompanied by a progressive movement of a cut line, thus excluding for example a visible jump by the driver of the cut line between the two beams.

The device may comprise a motor, in particular of the step type, arranged to drive the rotating assembly in rotation.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the rotary hinged assembly is rotated by a rotary actuating element, for example this cached assembly is secured to a wheel, in particular of the toothed type cooperating with an engine, in particular a pinion of the latter.

There is in particular a need, in the field of the automobile, to be able to illuminate the road ahead in "partial road lighting mode", namely to generate in a road beam one or more dark areas corresponding to the locations where there are vehicles coming from in the opposite direction or vehicles driving ahead, so as to avoid dazzling other drivers while illuminating the road in its larger area. Such a function is called ADB ( Adaptive Driving Beam )

Advantageously, the device according to the invention (in particular its cacheset) is arranged to produce in a lighting beam a dark zone positioned substantially on a vehicle tracked or cruising, so as not to dazzle the driver, this dark area may be movable if necessary to follow the movement of the vehicle followed or crossing.

For this purpose, according to the invention, the vehicle can be equipped with a camera placed at the front and which detects the presence of a third vehicle, for example circulating in the opposite direction on the opposite (left) lane as well as its position (vertical and horizontal).

The angular orientation of at least one of the beams of the projector is advantageously controlled by a device DBL ( Dynamic Bending Light in English) in particular coupled to this camera.

The projector can for example be pivotable through a dedicated engine, advantageously separate from the engine that allows to operate the cache assembly.

• la figure 1 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe, un dispositif selon un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 2 à 8 illustrent l'ensemble mobile du dispositif de la figure 1 dans différentes positions d'éclairage,
• la figure 9 est un schéma d'un ensemble rotatif selon l'état de la technique,
• les figures 10a à 10c sont des vues schématiques et partielles d'ensembles rotatifs selon des exemples de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 11 à 16 illustrent un ensemble mobile d'un dispositif selon un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 17 et 18 illustrent deux types de positionnement des caches sur l'ensemble rotatif,
• les figures 19 à 24 montrent schématiquement les différents types d'éclairage obtenus grâce au dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 25 illustre schématiquement l'évolution de l'éclairement et la position de la coupure en fonction de l'angle de rotation de l'ensemble rotatif selon l'invention,
• les figures 26A à 26H illustrent la progressivité de transition entre différentes positions d'éclairage.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically and partially, in section, a device according to an exemplary implementation of the invention,
• the Figures 2 to 8 illustrate the mobile set of the device of the figure 1 in different lighting positions,
• the figure 9 is a diagram of a rotary assembly according to the state of the art,
• the Figures 10a to 10c are schematic and partial views of rotary assemblies according to examples of implementation of the invention,
• the Figures 11 to 16 illustrate a moving assembly of a device according to another example of implementation of the invention,
• the Figures 17 and 18 illustrate two types of positioning of the covers on the rotating assembly,
• the Figures 19 to 24 schematically show the different types of lighting obtained thanks to the device of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 25 schematically illustrates the evolution of the illumination and the position of the cutoff according to the angle of rotation of the rotary assembly according to the invention,
• the Figures 26A to 26H illustrate the transitional progressivity between different lighting positions.

• un réflecteur 2, notamment du type ellipsoïdal, recevant une source de lumière 3,
• des caches fixes 4 et 5,
• et plus vers l'avant, une lentille convergente 6.

We have shown on the figure 1 an optical device 1 formed by a projector, in particular of the elliptical kind, which comprises, arranged on an optical axis yy:

• a reflector 2, in particular of the ellipsoidal type, receiving a light source 3,
• fixed covers 4 and 5,
• and more forward, a convergent lens 6.

The light source 3 is of any suitable type, for example of the filament or arc type. It may be a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, or one or more light-emitting diodes.

The light rays emitted by the light source 3 are sent towards the lens 6 or directly, or after reflection on the reflector 2.

The rays then form a light beam.

The device 1 comprises a rotary assembly 10 arranged to intercept said light beam and can be rotated about an axis of rotation z between first and second remarkable lighting positions, this axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the light. optical axis yy.

This assembly 10 comprises this assembly comprising first and second covers 8 and 9 respectively associated with the first and second lighting positions to create a cut-off of the light beam, these caches being in particular distant from one another by an angular gap predetermined (A), this assembly being further arranged to allow a gradual transition of illumination between the first and second lighting positions.

In the example described, the first remarkable lighting position (see figure 2 ) makes it possible to generate a code beam and the second remarkable lighting position (see figure 4 ) is used to generate a beam with increased range.

Between these two remarkable lighting positions, the rotation of the assembly 10 passes through a phase of progressive transition (see figure 3 ).

In the example described, the rotating assembly 10 comprises a folder 15 arranged to enhance the light intensity to form the beam with increased range.

The first cover 8 has two ridges 11 and 11a formed, in the example described, each on a rib extending substantially along the axis z.

These edges 11 and 11a have a height varying in the direction of the z-axis with an inclined portion 14 at the middle of the edge.

The second cover 9 comprises the folder 15 and two edges 12 and 12a corresponding to two substantially rectilinear edges and parallel to the z axis of the folder 15.

When rotating the first lighting position towards the second, first (first position of remarkable lighting) the two edges 11 and 11a of the first cover 8 are optically active, and then (progressive transition) the second edge 11 of the first cover 8 and the first edge 12a of the second cover 9 are optically active, these edges 11 and 12a being adjacent, and finally (second position of remarkable lighting) the two edges 12a and 12 of the second cover 9 and the 15 are optically active

The folder 15 has a reflective surface, this surface preferably being substantially flat or, alternatively, having a shape making it possible to obtain a substantially oblique cut.

In the example described, the rotary assembly 10 also comprises an L-shaped cover 16 to form a selective beam, left or right.

• un éclairage code (voir figure 5),
• un éclairage à portée augmentée, par exemple un faisceau autoroute (voir figure 6),
• un éclairage sélectif (voir figure 7),
• un éclairage route (voir figure 8).

The rotary assembly 10 can take successively four remarkable lighting positions, namely:

• a lighting code (see figure 5 )
• extended range lighting, for example a motorway beam (see figure 6 )
• selective lighting (see figure 7 )
• road lighting (see figure 8 ).

As can be seen on the Figures 19 to 23 (which schematically illustrate lines of the same level of illumination on the ground), the beam produced by the device 1 according to the invention progressively passes ( Figures 20 to 22 ) of the beam code ( figure 19 ) to the augmented range beam ( figure 23 ). It can be seen that the range of the beam increases progressively during this phase of progressive transition.

The figure 24 illustrates lines of the same level of illumination on the ground for the road beam.

The figure 25 illustrates, for the device 1, the evolution of the maximum illumination measured on a screen at 25 m in Lux (curve C1) and that of the relative position of the cut on a screen at 25 m (curve C2) as a function of the angle of rotation of the rotating assembly 10.

Note that these curves have a relatively smooth increasing shape without jump.

In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. figure 10a , the device 1 has a focal plane PF substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and the axis of rotation z of the rotary assembly 10 is arranged at a non-zero distance from the plane PF so that, during the rotation of the first lighting position towards the second, the first and second covers 8 and 9 remain substantially below the optical axis, without cutting the optical axis yy or being tangent to this axis, to allow the gradual transition. In other words, these covers 8 and 9 never go higher than the optical axis yy.

On the contrary, if the axis of rotation z was on the focal plane PF (see figure 9 ), as it is known, the cache 8 for example would cut the yy axis, which would create an undesirable phenomenon of 'lowering'.

In the example of the figure 10b , the second cover 9, corresponding to the increased range beam, may have a maximum height, measured from the axis of rotation, less than the maximum height of the first cache.

In this case, the axis of rotation z of the rotating assembly 10 may be on the focal plane PF of the device, while avoiding the phenomenon of 'lowering'.

In the example of the figure 10c , we find at the same time the configuration of the figure 10b as regards the height of the covers 8 and 9 and the offset of the axis of rotation z with respect to the focal plane PF.

• un cache 8 pour produire le faisceau code,
• un cache 9 pour produire le faisceau à portée augmentée,
• un cache 16 avec une arête en forme de L pour produire un faisceau sélectif (la figure 14 montre le côté gauche et la figure 15 le côté droit), ce faisceau sélectif correspondant sensiblement à un faisceau route avec une zone sombre dans le champ du véhicule suivi ou croisant ou dépassant,
• un cache 19 pour produire un faisceau route,
• un cache 20 pour produire un faisceau à coupure plate.

In the example of Figures 11 to 17 , the rotary assembly 10 comprises successively:

• a cache 8 to produce the code beam,
• a cover 9 to produce the beam with increased range,
• a cover 16 with an L-shaped edge to produce a selective beam (the figure 14 shows the left side and the figure 15 the right side), this selective beam corresponding substantially to a road beam with a dark area in the vehicle's field followed or crossing or exceeding,
• a cover 19 to produce a road beam,
• a cover 20 for producing a flat-cut beam.

Possibly the rotary assembly 10 may be devoid of folder 15.

• 45° entre les caches 20 et 8,
• 26° entre les caches 8 et 9,
• 64° entre les caches 9 et 16,
• 90° entre les caches 16 et 19.

In the example of the figure 17 , the cache of the road beam 19 is disposed between the covers 16 and 20 and the angular gaps between the covers are as follows:

• 45 ° between the covers 20 and 8,
• 26 ° between caches 8 and 9,
• 64 ° between caches 9 and 16,
• 90 ° between the covers 16 and 19.

• 45° entre les caches 20 et 8,
• 26° entre les caches 8 et 9,
• 64° entre les caches 16 et 20.

Alternatively, in the example of figure 18 , the cover 19 is arranged between the covers 9 and 16 and the angular gaps between the covers are as follows:

• 45 ° between the covers 20 and 8,
• 26 ° between caches 8 and 9,
• 64 ° between the covers 16 and 20.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

For example, on the mobile assembly 10, the order of the caches can be different.

For example still, if desired, the assembly 10 can be arranged to be immobilized, on command of an electric motor, in an intermediate position between the outstanding lighting positions.

Alternatively, the rotation of the assembly 10 is substantially continuous, on command of a motor, between the outstanding lighting positions.

The motor may for example be a DC motor, a stepper motor or a piezoelectric motor.

The stepper motor may be advantageous for fine adjustment of the position of the rotating assembly between two remarkable positions.

The progressive transition can also be provided between for example a flat-cut beam and a selective beam.

The invention can be applied for both right and left traffic, or both.

The Figures 26A to 26H illustrate the progressivity between the different lighting positions according to the invention (on a screen at 25m).

Figures 26A to 26 E: passage of the beam code LB to the highway beam MB by three intermediate code beams LB progression 1, 2 and 3.

Figures 26F to 26H : crossing of the MB motorway beam to the HB road beam by two intermediate road beams HB progression 1 and 2.

If desired, progressivity can be provided for only one of the transitions.

Claims (15)

1. Optical device (1), in particular a lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle, having an optical axis (y-y) and comprising:

   - a light source (3),

   - a reflector (2) associated with the light source in order to form a light beam,

   - a rotary assembly arranged to intercept said light beam and able to be rotated, about a rotation axis, between first and second remarkable lighting positions, this rotation axis (z) being in particular substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, this assembly comprising at least first (8) and second (9) shields associated respectively with the first and second lighting positions in order to create a cutoff of the light beam, these shields each comprising at least one edge, these edges being in particular distant from one another by a predetermined angular separation (A), this assembly furthermore being arranged so as to allow a progressive transition of the lighting between the first and second remarkable lighting positions,

   - in particular a lens (6) disposed on the path of the light beam that has been intercepted by the rotary assembly,

   the first shield comprising two edges and the second shield also comprising two edges and, during the rotation from the first lighting position to the second, first of all, in the first remarkable lighting position, the two edges (11, 11a) of the first shield (8) being optically active, then, during the progressive transition, the second edge (11) of the first shield and the first edge (12a) of the second shield, and finally, in the second remarkable lighting position, the two edges (12, 12a) of the second shield being optically active;
   characterised in that the second shield, corresponding for example to an increased-range beam, has a maximum height, measured from the rotation axis, less than the maximum height of the first shield.
2. Device according to the preceding claim,
   characterised by the fact that the shields have a mechanical discontinuity, namely these shields are in particular separated from each other by a hollow zone, while making it possible to generate, during the progressive transition, a continuous beam progressive in intensity, in range and/or vertical movement of the cutoff.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by the fact that the first remarkable lighting position makes it possible to generate a dipped beam.
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by the fact that the second remarkable lighting position makes it possible to generate an increased-range beam.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by the fact that the rotary assembly comprises at least three shields so as to be able to adopt at least three remarkable lighting positions chosen from: a dipped beam, an increased-range beam, a main beam, a selective beam, a flat-cutoff beam.
6. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised by the fact that the angular separation between the first and second shields is between 10° and 60°, in particular between 20° and 50°, being for example around 20° or 30°.
7. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised by the fact that the rotary assembly (10) comprises at least one bender (15) arranged to increase the light intensity of a beam in at least one of the remarkable lighting positions.
8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, having a focal plane (PF) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (y-y), characterised by the fact that the rotation axis (z) is offset by a non-zero distance with respect to the focal plane (PF).
9. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised by the fact that it comprises a motor, in particular of the stepping type, arranged to rotate the rotary assembly.
10. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
    characterised by the fact that a transition between the dipped beam and the main beam takes place in 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds.
11. Device according to any of claims 1 to 9,
    characterised by the fact that the transition between the dipped beam and the main beam takes place between 0.8 seconds and 3 seconds.
12. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
    characterised by the fact that, between the dipped beam and the motorway beam, the rotary assembly of shields can stop on at least one, preferably three, intermediate positions between the dipped beam and the motorway beam.
13. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
    characterised by the fact that, between the motorway beam and the main beam, the rotary assembly of shields can stop on at least one, preferably two, intermediate positions between the motorway beam and the main beam.
14. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
    characterised by the fact that it is arranged to produce, in a lighting beam, a dark zone positioned substantially on a vehicle being followed or passing in the opposite direction, in order not to dazzle the driver, this dark zone being able to be moved where necessary in order to follow the movement of the vehicle being followed or passing in the opposite direction.
15. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
    characterised by the fact that the progressive transition is provided between a beam with a flat cutoff and a selective beam.

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